Bill Chastain writes about the different ways the Rays give back to the community. [MLB]

Jeff Niemann was not named as part of the Topps MLB Rookie All-Star team. The roster includes just one right-handed pitcher with that spot going to Tommy Hanson of Atlanta. Niemann was 13-6 with a 3.94 ERA while Hanson was 11-4 with a 2.89 ERA. Niemann had a better WAR (3.2 vs 2.6) but Hanson had the better FIP (3.50 vs 4.07). Doesn’t seem like a huge oversight. [The Heater]

Bill Chastain writes about the work Mitch Talbot is getting in the Arizona Fall League. Mitch Lukevics says it is an opportunity to get Talbot some more innings since he only made 11 starts this season due to injury. Of course, Talbot will be out of minor league options in 2010, so the Rays may either be hoping Talbot can fill a bullpen role or they are showing other teams that Talbot is healthy should the Rays attempt to trade him. [MLB]

3 Comments

Somewhat puzzled that Rays would sign Bateman so soon after granting free agency. Guess that shows how little I understand the business of baseball. He does appear to be having a decent winter league season with Leones del Caracas: 18 games, 27 innings, ERA 3.00. But he's a scary guy to watch. Seems to have given us quite a few thrills last year, but I'd be happy to see him back as a Bull. His "frisbee" pitch is a sight to behold. And he only hit 9 guys last year ...
Lastly, he was a critical guy in the post season for the Bulls -- two wins in relief and a hold.